These cars are no-longer in production so parts can be a problem, see www.merkurencyclopedia.com
Transmission rebuild at 147,000.
Steering feels like a big German car, firm and direct. Suspension is a mix of German precision and American comfort. A true long distance cruiser!
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? Yes
Review Date: 20th January, 2002
A great way to waste a lot of money
Transmission replaced 4 times in one year at a cost of over $2000 each time.
Locks kept locking and unlocking randomly.
Battery constantly died.
Radiator leaked.
Electrical system failure.
Air conditioning stopped working.
Rear seats stopped working.
Lights burned out.
Cigar lighters didn't work.
Tires would not stay inflated even after being replaced several times.
Engine leaked oil from the valve cover gasket.
Transmission leak even after repair.
Exhaust system had to be replaced (fell off).
Axles failed (all of them) and had to be replaced at a cost of over $1500 per axle.
Switches in the car did not work.
Fog lights destroyed due to their position on car making them vulnerable to rocks.
Cost of replacement: $200 each.
I wouldn't trust driving a Merkur anywhere.
Cost of ownership is approximately $10 per mile.
If you want to own one then you MUST have another vehicle to drive as this one will leave you stranded every chance it gets.
Not a car for the poor as it will cost you a fortune to just keep it running.
On the plus side, if it runs, then it can do 140mph without any problem even with over 100 thousand miles on the engine.
Zero to 60 is not impressive at about 8 to 10 seconds.
Comfort wise you won't find anything anywhere near as comfortable.
Looks wise it looks like a more refined Taurus.
Would you buy another car from this manufacturer? No
Review Date: 29th March, 2001
I am surprised the car was so bad, in Europe and in the U.K. where I live, this car was the Ford Granada Scorpio and I have had two. I love `em and have had no more problems than I have had with any other car. The biggest problem over here was the image, even though it was better equipped and roomier than most BMWs and Mercs, it never did well as an executive car.
2nd Dec 2003, 14:05
The Merkur Scorpio is an exceptional piece of luxury and comfort! Also sleek and sporty. The car is fast and suspension is great. When you drive this car everybody turns their head to look at the UDO (Unidentified Driving Object) The technology for an eighties model vehicle is one of its kind! I loved my 1988 Mercury Merkur Scorpio! I would drive a Scorpio over any car in the world!